With information from the FAPESP Agency
Supplementing the diet with taurine can strengthen the body’s antioxidant defenses and possibly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension.
[Imagem: Vachagan Malkhasyan/Pixabay]
By processing the oxygen we breathe and the foods we consume daily to survive, our cells generate potentially toxic byproducts, reactive oxygen species, commonly known as “ free radicals “.
These molecules fulfill essential functions for the body, in particular protect us against cancer. But, in excess, they can damage the internal structures of cells, alter their functioning and promote the onset of chronic diseases. This process known as oxidative stress – even the Oxidative stress can be beneficial, thanks to sport for example.
Our body has a veritable arsenal of antioxidant enzymes that help maintain the balance of reactive oxygen species. However, as we age, these control mechanisms become less effective.
Researchers from USP (University of So Paulo) have now demonstrated that supplementing the diet with the amino acid taurine can be a viable nutritional strategy to overcome this problem.
A taurine a nutrient found in foods such as fish, chicken, turkey, red meat and seafood. It is also produced naturally in certain tissues of the human body, particularly the liver, being important for the functioning of the system central nervous system, immunity, vision and fertility.
Effects on bioindicators
The research involved 24 volunteers, aged 55 to 70, randomly divided into two groups: Half consumed three daily capsules each containing 500 milligrams of taurine (1.5 grams per day) for 16 weeks. The others only ingested capsules containing cornstarch (placebo). Neither the participants nor the researchers knew which group each belonged to.
One of the most interesting results was the almost 20% increase in the concentration of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the group that received taurine, while in the control group this enzyme increased. decreased by 3.5% – SOD protects the cell from harmful superoxide radical reactions.
“By preventing the accumulation of free radicals that occurs naturally with age, we will probably prevent cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension, among other chronic diseases”, assessed Professor Ellen de Freitas, coordinator of the project.
shy result
According to the team, there are very few studies in the scientific literature on the effect of taurine in the context of aging. “This is a very early study, which aimed to investigate the optimal dose and possible side effects – which were not seen in any of the participants.”
In addition to SOD, two other markers of oxidative stress were analyzed: the antioxidant enzyme glutathione reductase (GR), which decreased significantly in both groups, and an oxidative stress biomarker called malondialdehyde (MDA), which increased 23% in the control. group and decreased by 4% on average in women who took taurine.
“It’s a timid result, but we think it can become much more important with a higher dose of taurine”, assessed Ellen – it should be remembered that the Cardiologists warn of the risks of energy drinks almost all rich in taurine.
The next step will be to confirm the effects of ingesting taurine in a larger group of participants and, eventually, to determine effective and safe doses.